Paul returns to Clippers' lineup following 14-game absence
Kevlin Kuo / USA TODAY Sports
LOS ANGELES - Chris Paul is back in the Los Angeles Clippers' lineup after missing five weeks with a torn ligament in his left thumb.
The star point guard was set to play Friday night against the San Antonio Spurs, the second-place team in the West.
Paul had been out since Jan. 16 after injuring his thumb and having surgery two days later. He returned slightly ahead of the original timetable of six-to-eight weeks.
Paul's return means Austin Rivers will go back to the bench. Paul leads the NBA in steals per game at 2.25.